Slideshow image

Hello Great Family,

We had a wonderful Good Friday service and are looking forward to Easter Sunday. Have you invited someone to join you on Sunday?  There is still time! Make an effort and watch God make it effective!

I recently saw the following thoughts posted by a fellow pastor to the church he shepherds.  I think they apply to our great family too (I added a few things to his list).

  • Sit in the front middle of the room, WORSHIP PASSIONATELY, and respond to your pastor's preaching. 
  • Look for people who seem new, WARMLY greet them, and ask if they wanna sit with you. New people do not care as much about lights and sound systems. People would rather be LOVED than WOWED.  PROTIP: don’t ask “Are you new?”, ask “How long have you been at Oakwood?”
  • As soon as you arrive, begin praying for the Presence of God to fall on services.
    Encounter > Argument. If someone argues you into faith, a better argument can get them out. What people need is an ENCOUNTER with the living God.
  • Invite people. Studies show ~80% of Americans would say “yes” if invited by a friend to an Easter service. It doesn’t have to be cringey, just send a text like this: “Hey, our family is headed to Oakwood this weekend, and honestly it’s always so good for us and our kids. No pressure, but if you don’t have anyplace yet, please sit with us?"
  • If you can, consider attending the 9am service. The 11am service has the potential of being packed.
  • BONUS: Please silence your phone, go to the bathroom before (instead of during) the service, and wait until the end to leave (rather than leaving during last song)

Be praying that God takes the message of His amazing grace and makes it effective in the lives of people this Sunday morning. Sunday's coming!!

God Bless,
P.D. (Psalm 139)